Police Complete Investigation into Arson of Jafnika Restaurant Branch in Givatayim

A month after two masked youths set fire to a Jafnika restaurant branch in Givatayim by pouring flammable liquid on its facade, Israeli police have identified and arrested the suspects. The arson occurred on July 12 around 4 a.m., causing significant damage but no injuries. The two suspects, both 18-year-old residents of Rehovot, were arrested in late July following a police investigation that used technological means to trace their movements despite attempts to cover their tracks. Evidence including clothing items linked them to the crime. The investigation was conducted by the Tel Aviv District Central Unit, and indictments are now being prepared against the suspects.

Police attribute the arson to ongoing violent conflicts between crime organizations led by Yossi Musli and the Jerushi group. This incident is part of a broader wave of criminal violence involving arson attacks, shootings, and grenade throws targeting businesses and residential buildings in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. Just days before the arrests, police referenced the Jafnika arson during a Tel Aviv District Court hearing concerning restrictions on Yossi Musli, suspected of orchestrating multiple attacks on Jafnika branches nationwide. Although police presented extensive intelligence and evidence linking Musli to these crimes, they admitted they have insufficient proof to indict him and are pursuing judicial restrictions instead.

Musli remains under a temporary court order restricting his movements, including house arrest, travel bans, internet use prohibition, and contact bans with known criminal figures. The court is scheduled to decide on extending these restrictions. The police continue to investigate the broader pattern of violence affecting civilians and businesses in the region, emphasizing the ongoing threat posed by organized crime conflicts.